Wednesday, October 18:
The boat which carries the mail from Sorrento to Capri capsized yesterday; seven people were saved, but one was drowned. Such things are reported and heard with indifference here, and how indifferent, too, is the whole outside world, romping in the sun again today!
Wrote on R.'s behalf to the secretary of the Royal Academy in Stockholm, with thanks for his nomination. R. starts a long letter to the King, once again describing the whole situation to him and suggesting that he take over the whole thing. Watched the sunset with R. from the terrace; thoughts of Odysseus swimming. I already feel quite at home in this country. In the evening read with R. the touching story of Pope Celestine V. Frequent thoughts of giving up the festival entirely and disappearing, but would that be good for the children?